Anyone here in the CA blackout area that has enjoyed dark skies?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the experience of observing dark skies during electricity blackouts, particularly in California. Participants share their thoughts on the impact of blackouts on stargazing and recount personal experiences related to dark skies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a desire for blackouts to enhance stargazing opportunities, suggesting that the absence of streetlights allows the night sky to be more visible.
  • One participant recalls a specific event in 1986 in Dunedin, NZ, where a planned streetlight blackout enabled better visibility of Halley's Comet, indicating that such events can be beneficial for astronomical viewing.
  • Others note that while blackouts can reduce light pollution, the cause of the blackout (e.g., fires or smoke) may detract from the stargazing experience.
  • A participant from Silicon Valley mentions that while their area experienced a blackout, the surrounding valley still had power, which limits the effectiveness of the blackout for reducing light pollution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that blackouts can enhance stargazing by reducing light pollution, but there are competing views regarding the conditions under which this is beneficial, particularly concerning the causes of blackouts and the presence of remaining light sources.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions reference specific historical events and personal experiences, which may not be universally applicable. The impact of local geography and infrastructure on light pollution is also noted but remains unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in astronomy, stargazing, or the effects of urban lighting on night sky visibility may find this discussion relevant.

swampwiz
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Although obviously I enjoy the wonderful technology of electricity, it would be nice to have a short blackout on a dark night to see the night sky in all its glory. Has anyone seen such a dark sky in the blackout areas there?
 
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Blackout? Fire? Smoke?
 
Bystander said:
Blackout? Fire? Smoke?
Electricity blackout.
 
Bystander said:
Blackout? Fire? Smoke?
swampwiz said:
Electricity blackout.
The cause of the blackout? Doesn't lend to too much stargazing.
 
Bystander said:
Doesn't lend to too much stargazing.
Ohh yes it does :smile:

With all the streetlights etc out, the sky comes alive

Back in 1986 in Dunedin, NZ, the council did a 2 hour streetlight blackout
so that everyone could easily see Halley's Comet from within the city.
It was awesomeDave
 
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Well, here in Silicon Valley, the hills (where I live) were blacked out, but the Valley floor still had their power. Most of the light pollution here comes from the lights in the Valley. Nice thought, though...

https://assets.vogue.com/photos/593...ut-silicon-valley-california-travel-guide.jpg
1571152229394.png
 
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davenn said:
Back in 1986 in Dunedin, NZ, the council did a 2 hour streetlight blackout
so that everyone could easily see Halley's Comet from within the city.
It was awesome
The Kiwis certainly had their priorities right.
 
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